Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue today. It is an issue that is very close to my heart. I was director of elections for the Government when the plebiscite was passed so in that respect, I have a very keen interest in making sure we deliver a directly elected mayor for Limerick. I thank the Minister of State and the officials for bringing forward the legislation. I also pay tribute to the former Ministers of State, Deputies Peter Burke and John Paul Phelan. When the plebiscite was put, Deputy Phelan was in office and I know Deputy Peter Burke was involved in bringing forward the legislation before the current Minister of State took over.

Having served as mayor of Limerick, I am very aware of how people look to the mayor as a leader. I envisage that this mayor will be a leader not just for Limerick city and county but for the region because I believe the mayor must be a driver for the region. One or two Members mentioned economic development and a counterbalance to Dublin. Limerick is the capital of the region because it is right in the centre of the mid-west region and there has been so much economic development and job creation. We have three third-level institutions on our doorstep and this has helped in driving the region.

I believe the mayor should have extra powers. I know that powers will be devolved. What was in the plebiscite is more or less included in the Bill but I would like to see extra powers being devolved as time goes on. Mayors across Europe and other regions - New Zealand is a very good example - have powers relating to the environment, arts and sports. They can all be brought into the mayoral programme. That is not envisaged in this Bill but they should be included because the mayor brings forward his or her mayoral programme, has to bring councillors on board with him or her and work hand in hand to get the funding, some of which is from the CEO and his or her staff. I would like to see more money being given to the mayor as time goes on. I know there is a certain amount of money available but to implement the full programme, the mayor should be able to access funding. Perhaps the Minister of State will be able to answer that.

Regarding plebiscites in other electoral areas, when will these areas be able to vote in a plebiscite to see if they wish to have a directly elected mayor? It is important that we get this right. It is good that we are here making a start to the programme.

The directly elected mayor brings forward a proposal. It has to be as important for the city as it is for the county because it is for the region. It is really helpful that the mayor can appoint a special adviser. When the review takes place I would love it to allow the mayor to bring two advisers on board. One adviser may not have the same powers or thought processes as the senior person. As the role evolves, I believe the mayor will become a major player in the region. The office has to be given resources and support for it to work. If other electoral areas see this working in Limerick and the region, I think they will be anxious to have it.

I thank everybody for the work to date. I know it is a work in progress. I am looking forward to working with the Minister of State and the team on the delivery of a directly elected mayor for Limerick.